On Tap: Pints of Science

Four faculty members from the University of New Hampshire will be featured at the inaugural Pint of Science Festival in Portsmouth, May 14 and 15.

Pint of Science is a nonprofit organization that brings scientists to local bars and cafes to discuss their latest research and findings with the public.

The “From Atoms to Galaxies” event May 14 at Profile Coffee Bar will feature Shawna Hollen, assistant professor of physics and material science, Young Jo Kim, assistant professor of chemical engineering and David Mattingly, assistant professor of physics.

The following night, Book & Bar will host “Planet Earth,” which will feature Jennifer Jacobs, professor of civil and environmental engineering. She is one of two presenters and will discuss the risk of nuisance flooding in coastal areas.

For both events, doors open at 7 p.m. and events start at 7:30 p.m.

The launch of the event in Portsmouth was organized by Christine Caputo, an assistant professor of chemistry. She says the venues were chosen for their friendly community vibe and support for the event.

The themes of the events are relatively broad, which allowed for organizers to get an array of experts in to share their work.

“Shawna and David, for example, are both physicists, but they come at it from such different places that it gives a nice overview of the breadth of the field,” says Caputo. “They are also both gifted speakers that are sure to be able to make a real connection with the public audiences.”

Caputo previously attended a Pint of Science event as a post-doctoral researcher in England and recently reached out to the organization at a time it was planning to bring the event to U.S. locations. Portsmouth is one of four U.S. locations for the festival this year; others are New York City, Baltimore and Los Angeles.

The event is open to the public with an admission fee of $5. Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting the event’s website. The event is sponsored by UNH’s department of chemistry, the Northeastern section of the American Chemical Society and Garrison City Beerworks.